Blessed By Persecution

It is interesting that the passage from Matthew 5:3 -12is called the beatitudes, referring to their blessed promises, especially since they refer to the person’s attitude.  Verse 11 spoke of the blessings of one who is persecuted for doing right.  In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus expands on that point, making it very personal.   “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”  Christians are blessed when people persecute them and slander them for following Christ.   The key is that they be persecuted for doing what is right, not for doing what is wrong.     I Peter 4:14-15 tells us, “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.” 

When we are persecuted for doing right, it indicates that we are having an impact on those around us, influencing people’s actions, much like salt kills bacteria in food.  Matthew 5:13, tells us, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” A Christian that no longer presents a contrast to the world’s attitudes in like salt that has lost its flavor.  It no longer serves any useful purpose. 

Jesus then uses a another analogy in Matthew 5:14-16.  “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.   Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Like a light, a righteous example enables people to see what is wrong in their own lives.  If the light is exposed it can be seen from a distance, but if it is covered up to avoid persecution, it serves no useful purpose. 

Unfortunately many think that Christianity results in new standard of what is right and wrong.  Matthew 5:17-20 makes it clear this is not true.  “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” 

The standard of right and wrong listed in the Old Testament will remain in effect as long as this present world remains exactly as written.  Christ did not destroy the law, but he fulfilled it, and in him we can fulfill it as well.  Because we meet the requirements of the law through Christ, Romans 10 :4 tells us, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  For those who have not believed in him and met the requirements through him, the law is still in effect.  Those who ignore even the most insignificant of God’s laws will and tach others to ignore them will have little or no rewards or respect in eternity, but those who practice them will be richly rewarded.  Just keeping the law like the scribes and Pharisees will not be enough to get anyone into heaven.  It will require a whole new attitude that comes from the Holy Spirit coming into our lives as a result of believing in Christ.  In the next few verses, Jesus will compare the law with the attitude that will be required.